Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-02-21

first time into the hall during the delivery
of the gentleman's speech would probably
come 20 the conclusion that this intangible
corporation was aetuall : a candidate for
United States Senator. Now | want to
say that the home of the Standard Oil Com
pany is.in Cleveland, Ohio. 1t is a foreign
corporation without an office and almost
without legal existence in the State of
West Virginia. Mr.. Camden never held
an office cr other position under it in his
life, and never had anything to do with
the management of it. II is true he owns
some OF the stock, but who is there here
that would not own some OF that stock If
he could do 50 in any honest or legitimate
way? Further than that, Mr.. Camden is
not connected with OF responsible for the
management OF any oil company in exist
enCe.
Mr. FlOurnoy-''What about the Cam
den Consolidated Oil Company"
Mr.. SOmmeTyille-''Mr Camden was
formerly Vice President of that Company.
but gave up his position shortly after his
election to the Senate, and has had nothing
tn do with the management OF il since.
Bat, sir, neither OF these companies has or
ever has had any interest ia legislation,
either in West Virginia or in the Congress
of the United States. They have never
asked for an enlargement of their corporate
powers, rights or franchises. either ut the
hands OF the Legislature of this State or in
Congress. Nor has any proposition ever
heen made in either body to curtail or re-
strain them ia the exercise OF such powers,
rights or franchises, and If Senator Cam
den owned and controlled both Of them it
would in no way unit him iOr the office
Of United States Senator, or interfere with
a faithful discharge OF the duties OF that
Office.
Now, sir, word rs tO the alleged
overtureS To Republicans. II the gentle
man from Jefferson aud others who are
associated with him here were willing to
act the part Of true Democrats and submit
10 the will of large majority not only Of
thus assembly hut of their own constitu-
entS, rs well as follow the long established
uSIges and customs OF their own party and
cast their votes for its duly nominated
candidate there would neither be occasion
or possibility at Oyertures to the Republi-
cans Nor have there been any UyerturcS
that are Inconsistent with the strictest
fidelity to Democratic principles. But ifa
faction oI our own party without cause 0r
justification, shall afford the opportunity,
aud our Republican friends in the exercise
OF their undOubted right To make a choice
between Democrats, and shall see ut 10
cast their votes for our candidate, We will
not close the doors upon them but will bid
them a cordial welcome.
1T j. charged that promises have been
made that ii Senator Camden is elected
with the help OF Republican votes, he is to
cease to fight the battles of the Democratic
party. Now, sir, have heard the Senator
express himself on this point. Ihavc heard
him make a statement and it was that il
reelected To the Senate il was the eHd Of
personal politics with him, that he would
not be a candidate again for any office, but
that he would continue To be rs good ~
Democrat in the future rs he had been in
the past and would continue to work fer
the success of his party.
Il had intended to say something about
the Congressional Convention in the Second
district already referred To hut my friend,
the gentleman from Gilmer MIR. Kidd.
did such ample Justice to that subject that
| scarcely feel like again referring to it.
The gentleman from Jefferson puts his
Justification of his bolt upon that memoir
able occasion solely upon the ground that
there was some doubt aS to who was morn
mated.
docs the gentleman pretend to say that
there is any doubt about who has been
nominated here for the United States
senate? Then, if there is not,
what possible justification can
the gentleman find according To his
own logic for the belt in this case? But
the gentleman asks LIS TO furnish a tribu-
nal for the investigation of these street
rumorS and inSiuuatiOnS, which he eN-
pressly refuses to become responsible for.
Why can he not furnish the tribunal as
well as we cam lie is a member of the
Legislature. He is clothed with all the
powers we possess, AID can take whatever
steps may be necessary To set on foot the
fullest possible investigation of all OF these
rumors and destinations.
The tribunal is already in existence,
and all that is necessary is for some one Ia
become responsible tor the charges and
then we will be able to demonstrate the
utter falSity of these old stale ISLANDERS
which have no foundation whatever, and
first took form in the preiudiced minds
OF disappointed supporters or malicious OPP
ponentS.
Now, sir, n brief reference to the h. OF
/. petition, of which We have heard sO
mach. In order that we may know the
character of the communication, | will ask
the indulgence OF the Joint Assembly
while / read the first resolution. 1t Is As
follows:
"'And viewing with the greatest con
Germ the determined effort that is being
made by Camden and the Standard oil
Company to re-elect him; therefore,
=" 'Resoircd, BIZ capital CITY ASS""'''g N"
6Igl. K. ofL.:
THAT we extend to those members oI
our Legislature who oppose the election 0l
Camden To succeed himself rs United
States Senator from this State. our hearth
est thanks and cOmmendatiOn for the
honest and manly stand they have taken
IN defense of the rights OF the people, and
for constitutional law against robbery,
;obbery and monopoly.
Now. sir. want 20 ask the gentleman
from Jefferson ii he endorses that senti,
ment'
Mr.. Lucas-'I endorse the main pur'
poses Of that paper
Mr.. SOmmerville-"DO Does the gentleman
endorse the the portion oft that character
izes the members OF this Legislature as
robbers
Mr.. Lucas-''I am not responsible fol
that"
Mr. Sommerville-"S Since the gentleman
disclaims responsibility for the resolution
let me ask him for what purpose he pre-
sented it,"
Mr.. Lucas Because l believed IN the
right of petition.
Mr.. Sommeryille-''Did the gentleman
present il aS Petition
Mr.. LucIs-''Yes, sir.
Mr.. ommeryille.-'Now, Mr.. fresi'
dent let me call the attention OF the as
sembly to the rule which regulates the
presentation of petitions here. When tins
ioint assembly first met We adopted ioi
onr government the rules of the Senate;
Rule AZ is As follows: No petition shall
h. read in the Senate unless particularly
,s,,u;rad nv some member, but every mem